title: [A rare case of Merkel's tumor with intestinal metastases].
abstract: A rare case of intestinal metastasis of a neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin (Merkel Cell Tumor) is reported. The primary tumor was excised from the left arm two years earlier and followed an aggressive course with lymph-nodes, tonsillar and intestinal spread. Histologically, the intestinal lesion was similar to the primary tumor with small, undifferentiated cells. Undifferentiated small cell carcinoma and lymphomas of the gastrointestinal tract are to be considered in the differential diagnosis. Merkel Cells Tumor usually affects head and neck (44%) and extremities (48%), and is a highly malignant neoplasia, with early recurrence and distant metastases. Wide surgical excision of the primary lesion is the treatment of choice, while controversial is the role of prophylactic regional lymphadenectomy. Adjuvant radio- and chemo-therapy is frequently associated.
authors.affiliation: Istituto di Chirurgia d'Urgenza, Università di Torino.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Olivero
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Franchello
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Pacchioni
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Enrichens
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mao
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Benedetto
mesh_terms: D015266:Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary* / Q000601:surgery; D012809:Colon, Sigmoid / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008197:Lymph Node Excision; D008875:Middle Aged; D012811:Sigmoid Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary*; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*
vernacular_title: Raro caso di tumore di Merkel con metastasi intestinali.